B-Fast deployed in response to earthquake in Turkey

On Sunday 23 October 2011, eastern Turkey was struck by an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, with devastating consequences for the cities of Ercis and Van.

The moment that the official request for help was sent to Belgium, a 14-person B-FAST team was sent to the affected area. This team set up a tent camp that offered shelter to approximately 2,000 victims. Once the mission was complete, this tent camp was handed over to the Turkish Red Crescent.

Thanks to close cooperation with the Belgian embassy in Ankara and with the various ministries involved in the operation (Defence, Public Health, Budget and Home Affairs), the Belgian B-FAST team was one of the first European teams to be on the scene to set up the tent camp.